Electric switch



Dec. 29, 1936. G. J. MEUER ELECTRIC SWITCH Filed Dec. 24, 1954 ad an I INSULATION Patented Dec. 29, 1936 2,065,904

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,065,904 ELECTRIC swrrcn George J. Meuer, Milwaukee, Wis., assignor to Cutler-Hammer, Inc., Milwaukee, Wis., a corporation of Delaware Application December 24, 1934, Serial No. 758,951

21 Claims. (Cl. 200159) This invention relates to improvements in elecblank for the combined contact and terminal trio switches, and more particularly to electric members employed in Figs. 4 and 5, and showswitches of the door-operated type. ing the manner in which the same may be My primary object is to improve and simplify pierced for accommmodation of a terminal wire.

the details of construction and assembly of the Fig. 8 is a bottom plan view of the switdh 5 switch parts and to improve the operation of shown in Figs. 1 to 3, and the switch parts when assembled. Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of a modified Another object is to provide a novel form of form of combined contact and terminal member interengagement between the several switch to be employed in the production of a switch 10 parts and the insulating supporting base to of the normally closed type, and showing the 10 make possible the retention of said parts in asmanner in which the contactor is adapted to sembled relation by a single fastening means. engage the same.

Another object is to provide a novel form of Referring to the drawing, the numeral l0 descombined contact and terminal members for the ignates the insulating base which may be utilized switch. in the production of the several forms of 15 Another object is to provide a novel form of switches herein contemplated. Base H] is so decontactor and carrier. signed as to provide for formation thereof by a Another object is to provide a novel insulating straight-line molding operation. The insulation supporting base adapted to be formed by a of which base ID is formed may be of any suitstraight-line molding operation. able character, but I prefer to employ a mate- 20 Another object is to provide for utilization of rial of the phenol-formaldehyde condensation a maximum number of common switch parts in type, such as that sold under the trade name of theproduction of switches having different elecbakelite. trical characteristics. Base I0 is provided with a recess opening to Other objects and advantages of the invention the upper surface thereof, the main body of said 5 will hereinafter appear. recess being defined by a pair of diametrically The accompanying drawing illustrates certain opposed walls II and I 2 of segmental form in embodiments of the invention which will now be horizontal cross section, said walls being adapted described, it being understood that the invento receive with a sliding fit the insulating actution is susceptible of embodiment in other forms ating plunger l3 of cylindrical form. Plunger I3 30 without departing from the scope of the apis likewise preferably molded from the phenolpended claims. formaldehyde condensation product aforemen- In the drawing, Figure 1 is a perspective view, tioned, the same being provided with a convex in separated relation, of the various parts of a upper end H to facilitate proper engagement door-operated switch of the normally closed type, thereof by the striking surface (not shown) of 35 as constructed in accordance with my invention. a refrigerator door or the like.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a switch As shown .in Fig. 2 plunger 13 is provided in of the character illustrated in Fig. l, a portion its lower end with a recess l5 which is adapted of the actuating plunger being shown in elevato receive the upper end of a coiled compression tion. spring I6, the bottom wall of the aforemen- 40 Fig. 3 Is a vertical sectional view on the broken tioned recess in base l0 being provided with a line 33 of Fig. 2, certain of the elements being substantially cylindrical projection or abutment shown in elevation. I! which is adapted to be surrounded by the Fig. 4 is a view, partly in vertical section and lower end of spring Hi to provide for centering partly in side elevation, of a switch of the norof the latter. The upward depth of recess I5 is mally open type, as constructed in accordance preferably Such at p wa d ove with my .nvention. of plunger l3 into engagement with the bottom Fig. 5 is a view, partly in section on the broken wall of the base recess the sprin 6 t u 00mline 5 5 of Fig. 4, and partly in side elevation. pre ed w ll be ntir ly mmod d within Fig. 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of said recess I5. This arrangement insures 50 a blank for the combined contact and terminal against possible buckling or fouling of spring l6 members employed in Figs. 1 to 3, and showing during reciprocation of said plunger. the manner in which the same may be tapped Inasmuch as the recess I5 is formed in plungfor accommodation of a binding screw. er l3 by the molding operation, I prefer to like- Fig. 'I is a fragmentary perspective view of a wise form by the molding operation a recess l8 which is an extension of recess i5, but of smaller diameter than the latter. The presence of recess I8 tends to minimize the amount of insulation required to form plunger l3 without substantially reducing the strength thereof, but the primarypurpose of recess 18 is to minimize the amount of drilling required to provide the cylindrical passage I9 which extends diametrically through said plunger.

Freely insertable into passage 19 and having substantial portions of the length thereof exposed on opposite sides of plunger I3 is a metal rod or bar 20 which forms the movable bridging contractor of the switch. The aforementioned base recess is provided at opposite sides thereof with vertical grooves 2| and 22 to accommodate the opposite ends of rod 20 and to substantially limit the latter to vertical movements in a single plane.

Said base recess also includes (at opposite ends of walls H and I2) pairs of alined vertical grooves 23, 24 and 25, 26. Said pairs of grooves are adapted to provide for downward insertion of a pair of one-piece fiat punched sheet metal contact and terminal members 21 (the two members shown being of identical form) in parallel relationship to each other, the lower portions 21 of said members being relatively narrower than the upper portions 21 thereof, and the bottom wall of the base recess being provided with rectangular openings to provide clearance for said lower portions 21, whereby the latter are exposed below the lower surface of the base. The lower ends of the pairs of grooves 23, 24 and 25, 26 form shoulders (see 23, 24 Fig. 3) against which the shoulders formed between the aforementioned portions 21, 21 of members 21 are adapted to seat. Members 21 when so seated within the base recess have their upper ends located in a substantially flush relationship to the downwardly offset surface or ledge 28 of circular contour at the upper end of the base.

The upper portions 21 of members 21 are punched out as shown to provide the substantially elliptical openings 21, through which openings the opposite ends of rod 20 are adapted to extend, as best illustrated in Fig. 2. As will be apparent, the spring 16 normally biases rod 20 into engagement with the upper end walls of openings 21 in members 21, and in consequence tends to unseat members 21 from the base recess. Accordingly I provide a circular flat punched plate 29 of insulation which is adapted to seat upon the ledge 28 in a relation substantially flush with the upper surface of base I0,

' plate 29 having a central opening 29' to provide sliding clearance for plunger l3.

overlying plate 29 is the flat portion 3!! of a stamped sheet metal member 30, said member having downwardly tapered arms 30*, 30 of inwardly curved form in horizontal cross sectional to accommodate the correspondingly shaped buttresses or projections 10, HI formed exteriorly on opposite sides of base 10. The projections I 0, 10 are so formed with respect to the remainder of the periphery of base 10 as to provide pairs of vertical shoulders I0 10, and I0 I0 and as best shown in Fig. 8 the upper ends of arms 30*, 30 are of suflicient width to fairly closely fit said shoulders to prevent rotation of base I0 and member 30 relatively to each other. Projections I 0 10 are provided at the lower ends thereof with surfaces I0 lfl angled inwardly and upwardly toward the main body of base It! (see Fig. 3) and the lower ends of arms 30 30 are bent inwardly and upwardly into engagement with said surfaces to retain all of the aforedescribed switch parts in assembled relation.

The flat portion 30 of member 30 is provided with a central opening 3D surrounded by an integral upstanding flange or collar 30 to likewise provide clearance for plunger l3 and to assist in guiding the latter. I preferably provide a metal mounting plate SI of substantially rectangular contour, although other forms of mounting means may of course be employed. Plate 31 is provided with a central or symmetrically located circular opening 3| to fit over the aforementioned flange 30. a downwardly offset annulus 3| being formed in plate 3| to accommodate the outwardly upset upper end of flange 30 as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. Plate 31 is provided at opposite ends thereof with openings having beveled edges (one of the openings being shown at 31) to accommodate the usual fastening screws (not shown).

The lower portions 21 of members 21 are shown as provided with relatively small openings 21 to provide for looping attachment of the ends of terminal wires, which, of course, may be soldered thereto. As indicated in Fig. 6, however, the lower portions 21 of members 21 may be provided with relatively larger openings 21' which preferably involve the formation of inwardly extruded or pressed flanges as shown in Fig. 4), said relatively larger openings being tapped to receive the usual binding screws. In order to provide for use of base I 0 under these conditions, I prefer to form the bottom wall of the base recess with a pair of relatively thin areas 32 and 33, Fig. 2, the contour of which areas is indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 8. Said areas may be readily broached out or otherwise removed to accommodate the wiring terminal portions of the binding screw type. From the foregoing description it will be apparent that upon proper mounting of a switch of the character shown in Figs. 1 to 3 and 8 with respect to a refrigerator door or the like, the circuit controlled by the switch will be closed (to light an electric lamp, for instance) upon opening of the door, and said circuit will be interrupted upon closing of the door.

The normally open switch illustrated in Figs.

4 and 5 is structurally quite similar to the switch aforedescribed, and permits utilization of most of the switch parts aforementioned, as indicated by the corresponding numerals of reference. In the normally open type of switch, however, I employ a pair of combined contact and terminal members 34 of like form with respect to each other; and in view of the fact that the rod or contractor 20 is adapted to move into direct engagement with plate 29 I provide within plunger 13 a diametrically extending passage 35 which is slightly closer to the outer end of plunger 13 than the passage is aforedescribed, in order to provide for ejection of plungers I3 to like degrees under normal conditions in both forms of switches. It is to be understood of course, that plunger [3 might be initially provided with both of the passages 19 and 35, provided that the same were drilled at different rotary angles relatively to each other.

The contour or size of the members 34 in Figs. 4 and 5 is substantially like that of the members 21 to provide for assembly of the former with respect to the recess in base H! as aforedescribed. Inasmuch as the lower portions 34 of members 34 are formed with tapped openings 34 (in the manner described in connection with Fig. 6) for accommodating the usual binding screws 36, it will be noted that the aforementioned thin areas 32 and 33 of Figs. 2 and 8 have been broached or otherwise removed, as shown in Fig. 4.

As best shown in Fig. '5, the upper portion 34 of each member 34 is punched out or cut away to provide a pair of reentrant (or downwardly extending) resilient arms 34, 34; the adjacent edges of said arms being spaced apart a distance slightly less than the diameter of rod or contactor 20, whereby said contactor is adapted, upon a predetermined degree of downward movement thereof, to engage the pairs of arms 34, 34 of each member 34 to bridge the latter. The upper end of each member 34 is also cut away, as indicated by the downwardly and inwardly angled edges 34 and 34 in Fig.'5, to facilitate engagement of rod or contactor 20 with the respective members 34 and to insure a proper degree of spacing of the former from the latter in the circuit-interrupting position of the switch. As aforestated the rod 20 is preferably rotatable about its own center with respect to plunger l3, wherefore the degree of wear upon the rod 20 as an incident to repeated operation thereof is minimized. Also, as indicated in Figs. 2 and 4, the arrangement is preferably such that a slight degree of endwise movement of rod 20 with respect to the walls of grooves 2i and 22 is permitted to further assist in preventing localized wear upon said rod.

In Fig. 7 I have shown a fragment of the lower portion 34 of a member 34 wherein only a relatively small untapped, wire-receiving opening 34 (corresponding to the openings 21 of 1 Figs. 1 to 3) is provided. When members 34 so formed are utilized in producing a switch of the type shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the aforementioned thin portions 32 and 33 of the bottom wall of the base recess may be left unbroached, as best shown in Figs. 2 and 8.

The springs l6 may be of like strength or have like degrees of resistance to compression in both the normally closed and normally open types of switches herein disclosed. As will be obvious, however, a lighter or weaker spring may be employed for the normally closed switch of Figs. 1 to 3 than is required for the normally open switch of Figs. 4 and 5.

In Fig. 9 I have shown a modified form of combined contact and terminal member 31 which is substantially like themembers 21 shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The slot 31 in the upper portion 31 of member 31 is provided at its upper end with tapered walls as shown, whereby the reduced end of said slot opens to the upper edge of said member. The arrangement is such that the contactor 20 will engage both of said ta-' pered walls with a wiping action to insure a good electrical connection between said parts in the relative positions thereof illustrated. Moreover, by employing a pair of the members 31 instead of the members 21 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 I am enabled to use a plunger l3 having the transverse passage drilled at the point indicated at 35 in Fig. 4, wherefore plungers l3 ofidentical form may be utilized for both the normally closed and normally open types of switches. The lower portion 31 may be provided with a relatively small wire-receiving opening 31 corresponding with the openings 21 in members 21, or said portion 31 may be provided with the relatively larger tapped opening, as afore indicated.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a door-operated electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper.

surface thereof, the bottom wall of said recess having a centrally located abutment formed integrally therewith, a coiled compression spring one end of which is adapted to engage with. said abutment for centering thereof by the latter, a molded insulating plunger of cylindrical form which is freely slidable within said recess and guided by the walls thereof, said plunger having a recess in the lower end thereof to accommodate the upper end of said spring, a contactor comprising a cylindrical metal member rotatably carried by said plunger in a plane spaced from and above the recess in the latter, said contactor having substantial portions of the length thereof exposed on opposite sides of said plunger, 9. pair of contacts loosely positioned edgewise in parallel vertical planes within said recess and into and out of engagement with which said contactor is adapted to move, said contacts hav ing wiring terminal portions exposed below the lower surface of said base, an insulating member adapted to overlie the upper end of said recess and engaged with said contacts to retain the latter in position, and a metal member secured to said base and adapted to overlie said insulating member, said insulating member and said metal member having alined openings formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger and to assist in guiding the latter.

2. In a door-opetrated electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to theupper surface thereof, the bottom wall of said recess having a centrally located substantially cylindrical boss formed thereon, a coiled compression spring one end of which is adapted to surround said boss for centering thereof by the latter, a molded insulating plunger of cylindrical form which is freely slidable within said recess and guided by the walls thereof, said plunger having a recess in the lower end thereof to accommodate the upper end of said spring, said last mentioned recess being of suflicient depth to accommodate the entire spring when compressed upon downward displacement of said plunger, a contactor comprising a cylindrical metal rod extending diametrically through said plunger in a plane spaced from and above the recess in' the latter, said rod having substantial portions of the length thereof exposed on opposite sides of said plunger and said rod being rotatable upon its own longitudinal center relatively to said plunger, a pair of contacts loosely positioned edgewise in parallel vertical planes within said recess and into and out of engagement with which said contactor is adapted to move, said contacts having wiring terminal portions exposed below the lower surface of said base, an insulating plate adapted to overlie the upper end of said recess and engaged with said contacts to retain the latter in position, a metal member secured to said base and adapted to overlie said plate, said plate and said metal member having alined openings formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger and to assist in guiding the latter, and means carried by said metal member and adapted to provide for attachment of said switch to a suitable support.

3. In a door-operated electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, the bottom wall of said recess having a centrally located cylindrical abutment formed integrally therewith, a coiled compression spring one end of which is adapted to engage said abutment for centering thereof by the latter, an insulating plunger of substantially cylindrical form which is freely slidable within said recess and guided by the walls thereof, said plunger having a recess formed in the lower end thereof to accommodate the upper end of said spring, said last mentioned recess being of sufficient depth to enclose the entire spring when compressed upon downward displacement of said plunger, a contactor comprising a single metal member carried by said plunger in insulated relationship to said spring and having alined arms extending radially from said plunger, said recess having grooves formed therein to accommodate said arms of the contactor and to limit the latter to vertical movement in a single plane, a pair of fiat punched sheet metal contacts freely insertable downwardly into said base recess for positioning of the former in parallel planes at right angles to the plane of said arms, said contacts having portions thereof exposed at the lower end of said base to provide for attachment of terminal wires, an insulating plate adapted to overlie the upper end of said base recess and engageable with said contacts to restrain the latter against upward displacement relatively to said base, a sheet metal member secured to said base and adapted to clampingly engage said insulating plate, said insulating plate and said sheet metal member having alined openings formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger, and said sheet metal member having an element associated therewith to form additional guiding means for said plunger.

4. In an electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, the bottom wall of said recess having a. centrally located cylindrical abutment formed integrally therewith, a coiled compression spring one end of which is adapted to engage said abutment for centering thereof by the latter, an insulating plunger of substantially cylindrical form which is freely slidable within said recess and guided by the walls thereof, said plunger having a recess formed in the lower end thereof to accommodate the upper end oi. said spring, said last mentioned recess being of sufficient depth to enclose the entire spring when compressed upon downward displacement of said plunger, a contactor comprising a single metal member carried by said plunger in insulated relationship to said spring and having alined arms extending radially from said plunger, said recess having grooves formed therein to accommodate said arms of the contactor and to limit the latter to vertical movement in a single plane, a pair of fiat punched sheet metal contacts freely insertable downwardly into said base recess for positioning of the former in parallel planes at right angles to the plane of said arms, said contacts having portions thereof exposed at the lower end of said base to provide for attachment of terminal wires, an insulating plate adapted to overlie the upper end of said base recess and engageable with said contacts to restrain the latter against upward displacement relatively to said base, a sheet metal member secured to said base and adapted to clampingly engage said insulating plate, said insulting plate and said sheet metal member having alined openings formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger, said sheet metal member having an ele ment associated therewith to form additional guiding means for said plunger, and means carried by said sheet metal member and adapted to provide for attachment of said switch to a suitable support.

5. In a door-operated electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a substantially cylindrical recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, a molded insulating member of uniform circular cross sectional dimensions throughout its length adapted to slidably engage the wall of said recess, said member having a recess formed in the lower end thereof, a. coiled compression spring having one end thereof accommodated within said last mentioned recess, said member having a diametrically extending opening of circular cross section formed therein in a plane above said recess thereof, a contactor of cylindrical form freely insertable through said opening and having portions thereof exposed on opposite sides of said member, said base recess having diametrically opposed grooves formed therein to accommodate said portions of the contactor to guide the latter and to restrain said insulating member against rotary displacement, a metal member secured to said base and overlying the open end of said first mentioned recess, said metal member having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said insulating member, a pair of stationary contacts loosely positioned edgewise in parallel vertical planes within said base recess and having wiring terminal portions exposed below the lower surface of said base, said contactor being movable in each direction by said insulating member to engage or disengage said contacts, and a flat punched plate of insulating material interposed between said metal member and said contacts.

6. In a door-operated electric switch, in combination, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, said recess having a pair of diametrically opposed walls of segmental form in transverse cross section, an insulating member of substantially cylindrical form which is slidably engageable with said walls to be guided thereby, a pair of flat punched sheet metal contacts freely insertable into said recess, said recess having shoulders formed therein to retain said contacts in spaced relationship to each other in planes at substantially right angles to said segmental walls, said recess having a pair of openings formed in the bottom wall thereof and said contacts having integral tenninal portions adapted to penetrate said openings, a contactor carried by said insulating member and positively movable thereby upwardly and downwardly relatively to said contacts, said recess having vertical shoulders formed thereon to limit said contactor to vertical movement in a single plane at right angles to said contact planes, a coiled compression spring interposed between the bottom wall of said recess and said insulating member to bias the latter and said contactor to a given extreme position, a metal member secured to said base and adapted to overlie the upper surface thereof whereby all of the parts aforementioned are retained in assembled relation, said metal member having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said insulating member, and an insulating plate interposed between said metal member and said contacts.

7. In a door-operated switch, in combination, a molded insulating plunger of substantially cylindrical form, said plunger having a diametrically extending cylindrical passage formed therein, a contractor comprising a cylindrical metal rod adapted to freely penetrate said passage and having portions thereof extending beyond each side of said plunger, whereby said contactor is rotatable about its own longitudinal center relatively to said plunger, a molded insulating base having arecess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, said recess having a pair of diametrically opposed walls of segmental form to receive and guide said plunger, said recess also having a pair of vertical grooves arranged in a plane between said segmental walls, said grooves being adapted to restrain said contactor from displacement relatively to said plunger and the same being also adapted to limit said contactor to vertical movement in a single plane, a pair of flat punched sheetmetal contacts freely insertable downwardly into said recess for positioning thereof in parallel planes at right angles to the plane of movement of said contactor, a metal member secured to said base and adapted to overlie the upper surface thereof, an insulating member interposed between said metal member and said contacts, said metal member and said insulating member having alined openings formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger, a coiled compression spring interposed between the bottom wall of said recess and said plunger, and a pair of wiring terminal elements associated with said contacts and exposed at the lower end of said base.

8. In an electric switch, in combination, a onepiece molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, the main portion of said recess being of substantially circular form in transverse cross section and the same having auxiliary recess portions at diametrically opposite sides of said main portion and opening to the latter, each of said auxiliary portions comprising a pair of alined vertical grooves the lower ends of which are adapted to form shoulders located in a plane above the bottom wall of said main portion of the recess, a pair of flat punched sheet metal members having contact portions freely insertable downwardly into the respective pairs of grooves to seat against the shoulders formed by the latter, said members having lower end portions of reduced width and the bottom wall of said recess having openings formed therein to provide clearance for said lower end portions, an insulating member secured to the upper end of said base and adapted to overlie said recess to restrain said metal members against substantial upward displacement, a molded insulating plunger slidable within the main portion of said recess, said insulating member having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger, a contactor comprising a cylindrical metal rod extending diametrically through said plunger and having end portions thereof exposed at opposite sides of said plunger for movement with the latter into and out of engagement with said contact portions, and means comprising a coiled compression spring interposed between the bottom wall of said recess and said plunger to bias the latter outwardly from the former.

9. In an electric switch, in combination, a onepiece molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, the main portion of said recess being of substantially circular form inv transverse cross section and the same having auxiliary recess portions at diametrically opposite sides of said main portion and opening to the latter, each of said auxiliary portions comprising a pair of alined vertical grooves the lower ends of which are adapted to form shoulders located in a plane above the bottom wall of said main portion of the recess, a pair of fiat punched sheet metal members having contact portions freely insert able downwardly into the respective pairs of grooves to seat against the shoulders formed by the latter, said members having lower end portions of reduced width and the bottom wall of said recess having openings formed therein to provide clearance for said lower end portions, an insulating member secured to the upper end of said base and adapted to overlie said recess to restrain said metal members against substantial upward displacement, a molded insulating plunger slidable within the main portion of said recess, said insulating member having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger, 9. contactor comprising a metal member carried by said plunger and having end portions thereof exposed at opposite sides of the latter for movement therewith into and out of engagement with said contact portions, means comprising a coiled compression spring interposed between the bottom wall of said recess and said plunger to bias the latter outwardly from the former, and the walls of said recess having vertical shoulders formed thereon for cooperation with said contactor to limit the latter to vertical movement in a single plane.

10. In a door-operated electric switch, in combination, a one-piece insulating base adapted to be produced by a straight-line molding operation, said base being recessed from the upper end thereof to provide a substantially cylindrical cavity and a pair of auxiliary cavities at diametrically opposite sides of said cylindrical cavity and opening to the latter, a pair of one-piece punched sheet metal contact and terminal members the contact portions of which are adapted to seat downwardly within'said auxiliary cavities, said members having wiring terminal portions of reduced width and said base having openings formed in the bottom wall thereof to provide clearance for said terminal portions, a cylindrical molded insulating plunger adapted to slide within said cylindrical cavity, said plunger having a cylindricalpassage extending diametrically therethrough, a contactor comprising a metal rod freely insertable through said passage and having its end portions extending laterally beyond opposite sides of said plunger, said base having vertical grooves formed therein to accommodate the end portions of said contactor whereby the latter is limited to vertical movement in a single plane, a coiled compression spring interposed between the bottom wall of said cylindrical cavity and said plunger to bias the latter upwardly relatively to said base, a flat punched plate of insulating material secured to the upper end of said base and adapted to retain all of the aforementioned parts in assembled relation, said plate having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger, and means for securing said plate to said base, said means comprising a pair of shoulders formed exteriorly on opposite sides of said base and a stamped metal member having a portion adapted to overlie said plate, said last mentioned member having a pair of downwardly extending lugs the end portions of which are bent into engagement with said exterior shoulders.

11. In a door-operated electric switch, in combination, a one-piece insulating base adapted to be produced by a straight-line molding operation, said base being recessed from the upper end thereof to provide a substantially cylindrical cavity and a pair of auxiliary cavities at diametrically opposite sides of said cylindrical cavity and opening to the latter, a pair of one-piece punched sheet metal contact and terminal members the contact portions of which are adapted to seat downwardly within said auxiliary cavities, said members having wiring terminal portions of reduced width and said base having openings formed in the bottom wall thereof to provide clearance for said terminal portions, a cylindrical molded insulating plunger adapted to slide within said cylindrical cavity, said plunger having a cylindrical passage extending diametrically therethrough, a contactor comprising a metal rod freely insertable through said passage and having its end portions extending laterally beyond opposite sides of said plunger, said base having vertical grooves formed therein to accommodate the end portions of said contactor whereby the latter is limited to vertical movement in a single plane, a coiled compression spring interposed between the bottom wall of said cylindrical cavity and said plunger to bias the latter upwardly relatively to said base, a flat punched plate of insulating material secured to the upper end of said base and adapted to retain all of the aforementioned parts in assembled relation, said plate having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger, means for securing said plate to said base, said means comprising a pair of shoulders formed exteriorly on opposite sides of said base and a stamped metal member having a portion adapted to overlie said plate and a pair of downwardly extending lugs the end portions of which are bent into engagement with said exterior shoulders, said stamped metal memher having a central opening and an upstanding collar surrounding said opening to assist in guiding said plunger, and a supporting plate having an opening to accommodate said collar, said 001- lar being upset over said supporting plate to rigidly secure said parts to each other.

12. As an article of manufacture, a combined contact and wiring terminal member for electric switches of the door-operated type, said member comprising a sheet metal punching having an upper portion of predetermined width, said portion being cut away to provide a path for a contactor extending laterally therethrough and reciprocable in a plane at right angles thereto, whereby the contactor may be engaged with and disengaged from said portion in certain positions of the former respectively, said member also having a lower portion of reduced width to provide a shoulder for engagement with a suitable support, and said lower portion being formed to provide for attachment of a terminal wire.

13. As an article of manufacture, a combined contact and wiring terminal member for electric switches of the door-operated type, said member comprising a flat sheet metal punching the upper portion of which is cut away to provide a pair of re-entrant flexible arms arranged in a common plane in spacedrelationship to each other, said portion above said arms being formed to provide a V-shaped entrance to the space between said arms, said /-shaped entrance being adapted to provide a clearance space for a contactor of suitable form when moved out of engagement with said arms, said member having a lower portion of reduced width arranged symmetrically with respect to said upper portion whereby a pair of horizontal shoulders are provided, and said lower portion being provided with an opening to facilitate attachment thereto of a terminal wire.

14. As an article of manufacture, a molded insulating base having arecess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, said recess having a pair of diametrically opposed walls of segmental form in horizontal cross section to provide a slide bearing for a plunger of cylindrical contour, said recess being formed on opposite sides of said segmental walls to provide for downward insertion and parallel positioning of a pair of combined contact and terminal members, the bottom wall of said recess being provided with a pair of openings to provide for passage therethrough of the terminal portions of said members, and said bottom wall being provided adjacent to said openings with relatively thin portions or diaphragms which may be readily removed to provide clearance for terminal portions having lateral projections formed thereon.

15. As an article of manufacture, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, said recess having a pair of diametrically opposed walls of segmental form in horizontal cross section to provide a slide bearing for a plunger of cylindrical contour, said recess being formed on opposite sides of said segmental walls to provide for downward insertion and parallel positioning of a pair of combined contact and terminal members, the bottom wall of said recess being provided with a pair of openings to provide for passage therethrough of the terminal portions of said members, said bottom wall being provided adjacent to said openings with relatively thin portions or diaphragms which may be readily removed to provide clearance for terminal portions having lateral projections formed thereon, and said base being provided on opposite exterior sides thereof at points intermediate the length thereof with downwardly facing shoulders for cooperation with supporting means of suitable form.

16. In a switch of the character described, in

combination, a molded insulating base having a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, a combined contact and terminal comprising a punched metal member having an upper portion insertable downwardly into said recess and supported by the lower end wall of the latter, said member having a lower portion of reduced width and said end wall of the recess having an opening to provide for passage of said lower portion downwardly therethrough, said lower portion having an opening formed therein to provide for attachment thereto of an electric wire, said upper portion being cut away within the contour thereof to provide a clearance path for a contactor of suitable form, and a contactor extending laterally through said upper portion and reciprocable in a plane at right angles thereto, whereby said contactor is engageable with and disengageable from said upper portion in certain positions of the former, said base recess having vertical shoulders formed on the walls thereof to guide the movements of said contactor.

17. In a door-operated switch, in combination, a one-piece molded insulating base having a recess opening to the upper surface thereof, a pair of punched sheet metal contact and wiring terminal members insertable downwardly into said recess and adapted to seat therein in parallel relationship to each other, said members having the wiring terminal portions thereof exposed below the lower surface of said base, the contact portions of said members being cut away to provide slots of substantially elliptical contour, a molded insulating plunger of cylindrical form slidable within said recess, a briding contactor comprising a metal rod extending diametrically through said plunger and through said contact portions in a plane at right angles to the latter, said base recess having grooves formed in the walls thereof to limit said contactor to movement in a single vertical plane, the bottom wall of said recess having an abutment formed thereon and said plunger having a recess formed in the lower end thereof in a plane below said contactor, a coiled compression spring having one end thereof centered by said abutment and the other end thereof positioned within said plunger recess, whereby said contactor is biased upwardly into engagement with the upper end walls of said slots, said base having an annular ledge offset inwardly from the upper end thereof, a flat punched plate of insulation adapted to seat upon said ledge in a relation substantially flush with the upper surface of said base, said plate having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said plunger, a sheet metal member having a flat portion overlying said plate and adapted for clamping engagement with the latter, said flat portion having an opening to provide clearance for said plunger and an upstanding flange surrounding said opening, said base having a pair of downwardly facing shoulders formed exteriorly on opposite sides thereof, said sheet metal member having downwardly extending arms the lower ends of which are bent into engagement with said shoulders to secure all of said switch parts in assembled relation, a sheet metal plate having an opening formed therein to accommodate said flange, said flange being upset over said sheet metal plate to secure the same to each other, and said sheet metal plate having spaced openings formed therein to provide for attachment thereof to a suitable support.

18. In a door-operated switch, in combination,

a one-piece molded insulating base having a main recess of substantially cylindrical form opening to the upper surface thereof, two pairs of auxiliary recesses located at opposite sides respectively of said main recess and communicating with the latter, a pair of punched sheet netal contact and wiring terminal members inserta-b e downwardly into the respective pairs of auxiliary recesses and adapted to seat therein in parallel relationship to each other, members having the wiring terminal portions thereof exposed below the lower surface of said base, thecontact portions of said members each being cut away to provide a pair of re-entrant flexible .a'rms arranged in a common plane in spaced relationship to each other, the portions above said pairs of arms being respectively formed to provide V-shaped entrances to the spaces between said pairs ofl arms, an insulating plunger slidable within said main recess, said plunger having a passage extending therethrough at a point intermediate the length thereof, a bridging contactor freely penetrating said passage and having its opposite end portions extending through the parallel planes of said contact portions at right angles to the latter, said V- shaped entrances of said contact portions being adapted to provide clearance for the respective ends of said contactor when moved out of engagement with said pairs of arms, a coiled compression spring interposed between the bottom wall of said recess and said plunger, an insulating member having an opening to provide clearance for said plunger, a sheet metal member having a portion overlying said insulating-member and adapted for clamping engagement with the latter, said portion also having an opening to provide clearance for said plunger, said base having a pair of downwardly facing shoulders formed on opposite sides thereof, and said sheet metal member having downwardly extending arms the lower ends of which are engaged with said shoulders to secure all of said switch parts in assembled relation.-

19. In a door-operated'switch, in combination, a molded insulating actuating member, said member having a transversely extending passage formed therein, a contactor comprising a straight metal rod of circular cross section adapted to freely penetrate said passage and having portions thereof extending beyond each side of said member, whereby said contactor is rotatable about its own longitudinal center relatively to said member, a molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, said recess having opposed walls to receive and guide said actuating member, said recess also having a pair of vertical grooves to accommodate said contactor, said grooves being adapted to restrain said contactor from displacement relatively to said actuating member and the same being also adapted to limit said contactor to vertical movement in a single plane, a pair of fiat punched sheet metal contacts freely insertable downwardly into said recess for positioning thereof in parallel planes at right angles to the plane of movement of said contactor, a flat punched plate of insulating material secured to said base and adapted to overlie the upper end of said recess, said insulating plate having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said actuating member, a coiled compression spring interposed between the bottom wall of said recess and said actuating member, and a pair of terminal elements formed integrally with the respective contacts and extending beyond the lower end of said base.

20. In a door-operated switch, in combination, a one-piece molded insulating base having a recess formed therein and opening to the upper surface thereof, said recess having main and auxiliary portions, a molded insulating actuating member movable within the main portion of said recess, each of said auxiliary portions of said recess comprising a pair of alined vertical grooves a sheet metal members having contact portions freelyginsertable downwardly into the respective pairs of grooves to seat against the shoulders formed by the latter, said members having lower end portions of reduced width and the bottom wall of said base having openings formed therein to provide clearance for said lower end portions, said lower end portions 05f said members extending downwardly beyond the lower surface of said base, an insulating member secured to the upper end of said base and adapted to overlie said recess to restrain said metal members against substantial upward displacement, said insulating member having an opening formed therein to provide clearance for said actuating member, a contactor comprising a metal rod extending transversely through said actuating member and having end portions thereof exposed at opposed sides of said actuating member for movement with the latter into and out of engagement with said contact portions, and means comprising a coiled compression spring interposed between the bottom wall of said recess and said actuating member to bias the latter toward a given extreme position thereof.

21. As an article of manufacture, a one-piece combined contact and terminal member for electric switches of the door-operated type, said member consisting of a sheet metal punching having an upper portion of predetermined width, said portion being cut away to provide a mechanical and electrical clearance path for a oontactor extending laterally therethrough and reciprocable in a plane at right angles thereto, whereby the contactor may be engaged with and disengaged from said portion in certain positions of the former respectively, said member also having a terminal portion of reduced width to provide a shoulder for engagement with a suitable support, and said terminal portion being adapted to extend downwardly beyond said support.

GEORGE J. MEUER. 

